Saeed Jaffrey

Saeed Jaffrey: A Legacy in Film and Theatre Saeed Jaffrey OBE (1929-2015), a British-Indian actor, left an indelible mark on the global entertainment scene spanning over six decades. His prolific career encompassed film, television, radio, and stage, amassing over 150 credits across British, American, and Indian productions. Jaffrey's rise to prominence in the 1980s and 90s saw him become Britain's most visible Asian actor, largely due to his pivotal roles in My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and television series such as The Jewel in the Crown (1984) and Tandoori Nights (1985-87). His collaborations with Merchant Ivory Productions, including The Guru (1969) and The Deceivers (1988), solidified his international standing. Jaffrey’s foray into Indian cinema began with Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), earning him a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. His memorable portrayal of Lallan Miyan in Chashme Buddoor (1981) endeared him to Indian audiences, while roles in Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) and Henna (1991) further cemented his popularity. He received two Filmfare Best Supporting Actor nominations for these latter roles and was the first Asian to receive British and Canadian film award nominations. A pioneer for Asian representation, Jaffrey was appointed an OBE in 1995 for his services to drama, a first for an Asian actor. His autobiography, Saeed: An Actor's Journey, published in 1998, offers intimate insight into his remarkable life. He passed away in London in 2015 following a brain haemorrhage and was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.